Lidé na fakultě
MUDr. Boris Oniščenko

2026, Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on New Trends in Civil Aviation 2026, Praha, České vysoké učení technické v Praze), p. 407-418), ISBN 978-80-01-07450-3, ISSN 2694-7854

The somatogravic illusion is a critical form of spatial disorientation in aviation, arising from the misinterpretation of gravitoinertial acceleration as a change in pitch attitude. Despite extensive research, the technical parameters used to induce the illusion vary substantially across studies, limiting comparability and reproducibility. This study provides a systematic synthesis of experimental induction mechanisms using a PRISMA-based review. A total of 18 sources comprising 39 experimental conditions were analyzed, including centrifuge-based acceleration, linear motion platforms, simulator tilt coordination, galvanic vestibular stimulation, and visual-only induction. For each condition, key parameters were extracted, including apparatus characteristics, induction profiles, gravitoinertial acceleration (GIA) tilt, visual conditions, illusion outcomes, and sample sizes. Results show that physical GIA displacement remains the dominant method, with consistent illusion confirmation across tilt angles of approximately 9° to 40° under conditions without reliable visual reference. Visual environment was identified as the primary modulator of illusion expression, with full illusion consistently observed in darkness and degraded visual conditions, while structured visual cues produced partial or condition-dependent attenuation. Non-inertial methods further demonstrate that physical acceleration is not a necessary condition for eliciting the illusion. The findings establish an evidence-based parametric framework for experimental induction of the somatogravic illusion and support improved methodological standardization, cross-study comparability, and the design of aviation training systems.

Stať ve sborníku z prestižní konf. (Scopus)

2026, Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on New Trends in Civil Aviation 2026, Praha, České vysoké učení technické v Praze), p. 389-396), ISBN 978-80-01-07450-3, ISSN 2694-7854

Hypoxia represents a critical physiological risk in aviation, as reduced oxygen availability may compromise autonomic regulation, cognitive performance, and flight safety. Although numerous studies report decreased heart rate variability during hypoxic exposure, less is known about the detectability of hypoxia-related autonomic modulation under operationally realistic workload conditions. The present study examined autonomic cardiac regulation in eleven qualified pilots performing structured instrument flight rule simulator tasks under normoxic conditions and normobaric hypoxia simulating an altitude of 15000 ft. Each flight was divided into three segments with progressively increasing workload. Heart rate variability indices were analyzed using a two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance to evaluate the main effects of workload and oxygenation condition, as well as their interaction. The results demonstrated a significant main effect of workload across multiple time-domain, frequency-domain, and nonlinear heart rate variability parameters. In contrast, no consistent independent effect of hypoxia was identified, and no significant interaction between workload and hypoxia was observed. Within the applied experimental configuration, autonomic modulation was primarily associated with task demand rather than reduced oxygen availability. These findings suggest that, under moderate normobaric hypoxia, workload may constitute the dominant autonomic driver in aviation-relevant environments. The study highlights the importance of rigorous workload control in experimental investigations of hypoxia, as concurrent task demands may obscure or confound hypoxia-related physiological effects.

Stať ve sborníku z prestižní konf. (Scopus)

2026, Applied Ergonomics, 133, ISSN 1872-9126

The somatogravic illusion, a vestibular misperception caused by linear acceleration in the absence of visual cues, poses a significant safety risk during flight, particularly under instrument meteorological conditions. Despite its operational relevance, current pilot training programs emphasize theoretical instruction and lack practical exposure to such illusions. This study aimed to assess the behavioral effects of the somatogravic illusion in a controlled simulator environment and to evaluate the potential for adaptation through repeated exposure. A total of 114 pilots were assigned to four groups based on IFR experience. Each participant completed two simulator sessions one week apart, each comprising flights with and without induced somatogravic illusions. Illusion induction was achieved using cabin pitch motion within a fixed-base disorientation trainer. Altitude trajectories during the illusion interval were extracted, L2-normalized, and analyzed using principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering. Cluster transitions were evaluated to identify adaptation patterns. Post-exposure questionnaires assessed perceptual awareness and training utility. Illusion exposure caused systematic suppression of climb performance, independent of IFR experience. Unsupervised clustering revealed two dominant trajectory patterns corresponding to affected and unaffected responses. In the second session, 32% of previously affected pilots transitioned to the unaffected cluster, indicating behavioral adaptation. Perceptual awareness of the illusion remained low (23%-29%), yet 95.6% of participants endorsed the inclusion of vestibular illusion scenarios in IFR training. Controlled simulator exposure to the somatogravic illusion elicits measurable disruptions in altitude control that are not mitigated by experience alone but can improve with brief, repeated exposure. The findings support the integration of illusion-focused modules into early instrument training to enhance resilience to spatial disorientation. The use of fixed-base simulators for such training is feasible and well-received by pilots.

Článek v periodiku excerpovaném SCI Expanded

2026, Zdravotnícke listy, 14 (2), p. B10-B11), ISSN 2644-4909

Introduction: Hypobaric hypoxia represents a specific environmental stressor typical of high-altitude environments and air transport, which can negatively affect the performance of medical personnel. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of hypobaric conditions corresponding to a cabin altitude of 2,400 m (8,000 ft) on the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance and the physical strain on rescuers. Methods: The experiment, conducted in the hypobaric chamber of the Institute of Aviation Medicine, included 20 probands from fire department and healthcare study programs. Participants performed continuous chest compressions on a manikin. CPR quality parameters (compression rate and depth) and physiological functions of the probands (heart rate, oxygen saturation) were recorded during various phases of exertion using monitoring devices . Results: Data analysis showed that hypobaric hypoxia combined with physical activity leads to a significant increase in heart rate and a decrease in oxygen saturation in rescuers. Although the average compression rate remained within the recommended range, a tendency towards affected compression depth due to onset fatigue was observed, as confirmed by statistical tests of performance variability. Conclusion: The study confirmed that even mild hypoxia corresponding to standard flight conditions increases the physiological demand of CPR. To maintain resuscitation efficiency and rescuer safety in these conditions, it is crucial to adhere to regular rotation of rescuers at short intervals to prevent exhaustion and a decline in compression quality.

Abstrakt v časopisu

2026, Technological Challenges in Energy Delivery, Environmental Solutions, Innovation, and Transport Safety and Security, Basel, Springer Nature Switzerland AG), p. 325-341), ISBN 978-3-032-20279-6, ISSN 1874-6543

Vestibular illusions represent a significant threat to flight safety, par-ticularly under instrument meteorological conditions where visual cues are ab-sent. Despite their well-documented role in aviation accidents, training for these illusions remains largely theoretical. This study presents results from a simula-tor-based experimental exposure to three types of vestibular illusions, i.e. Cor-iolis, somatogyral, and somatogravic, across 114 pilot participants with varying experience levels. Subjective ratings of illusion intensity, perceived handling ability, and training acceptability were collected across two exposures. While no systematic perceptual adaptation was found at the group level, 70.2 % of participants reported improved ability to manage illusions after repeated expo-sure. Furthermore, 96.5 % supported the integration of vestibular illusion train-ing into civil pilot curricula. The findings suggest high user acceptability and psychological readiness benefits associated with repeated exposure, even in the absence of formal instruction. Given the safety-critical nature of spatial disori-entation, the results support the integration of vestibular illusion scenarios into instrument flight rules training as a practical supplement to theoretical instruc-tion.

Stať ve sborníku z mezinár. konf.

2026, Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on New Trends in Civil Aviation 2026, Praha, České vysoké učení technické v Praze), p. 397-406), ISBN 978-80-01-07450-3, ISSN 2694-7854

Fatigue represents a critical limitation of human performance in air traffic control (ATC), where sustained attention and rapid decision-making are required over extended periods. Existing fatigue monitoring approaches rely primarily on predictive models and sparse subjective assessments, which do not capture the temporal dynamics of individual fatigue during task execution. This limitation is particularly critical for data-driven methods, where the absence of temporally dense and physiologically meaningful reference signals constrains both model development and evaluation. This paper presents a proof-of-concept framework for vision-based fatigue detection, with a primary focus on the construction of a continuous multimodal ground-truth representation. Data were collected in an ATC simulator environment under prolonged wakefulness, combining high-speed near-infrared video with physiological, subjective, and cognitive measurements. A methodological approach is proposed in which ECG-derived heart rate variability provides a dense temporal backbone, while sparse indicators are integrated through interpolation and adaptive weighting. Confounding effects related to circadian modulation and task engagement are addressed using within-subject detrending. The resulting fatigue index provides a continuous, individual-level representation at 1~Hz resolution, capturing both within-session dynamics and cross-session progression. Preliminary results from 11~participants indicate consistent trends with elapsed wakefulness while preserving inter-individual variability. The presented methodology establishes a foundation for the development and evaluation of vision-based fatigue detection approaches in controlled yet operationally representative conditions.

Stať ve sborníku z prestižní konf. (Scopus)

2025, 2025 New Trends in Aviation Development (NTAD), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)), p. 94-99), ISBN 979-8-3315-8792-5, ISSN 2836-2764

Hypoxia represents a significant concern in aviation safety. Numerous studies have examined its impact on cognitive performance and other aspects of human functioning, but only a limited number have addressed its effects on balance, which involves multisensory integration and contributes to postural stability. A PRISMA-based literature search confirmed that evidence in this area remains scarce. Consequently, an experimental study was conducted to investigate the influence of hypoxic conditions on postural stability in pilots. Eleven licensed pilots were exposed to normobaric hypoxia, induced by breathing a reduced-oxygen gas mixture at ambient pressure, simulating an altitude of 4572 m(15000 ft). The experiment involved two simulated flights under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, while postural stability was assessed before, between, and after the flights using a balance board. Several parameters derived from center of pressure (COP) displacement in both one- and two-dimensional analyses were evaluated. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA (rANOVA) followed by post-hoc testing.The results did not reveal consistent statistically significant effects of hypoxia on postural stability. Significant differences were observed only in mediolateral parameters (SD-ML and ROM-ML) when aggregated across sensory conditions, but no effects were found when conditions were examined individually. Within the limitations of the small sample size, single simulated altitude, and short exposure duration, the study concludes that acute mild hypoxia at 4572 m(15000 ft) does not measurably impair basic postural stability in pilots.

Stať ve sborníku z prestižní konf. (Scopus)

2025, Recenzované abstrakty z vedeckej konferencie: Konference hyperbarické medicíny 12. – 13.06.2025 Netvořice, ČR, Zdravotnické listy), p. A1-A6), ISSN 2644-4909

Úvod: Technika negativního tlaku na dolní části těla (Lower Body Negative Pressure, LBNP) využívá aplikaci podtlaku na dolní končetiny, čímž simuluje městnání krve v dolní části těla. Často se používá ke studiu kardiovaskulární odpovědi na ortostatickou zátěž. Tolerance vůči gravitačním silám (G-tolerance) označuje schopnost organismu odolávat vysokým gravitačním silám, které mohou měnit distribuci krve a vést až ke ztrátě vědomí způsobené G-silami (G-LOC). Vztah mezi LBNP a G-tolerancí je klíčový zejména pro vojenské piloty, kteří musí zvládat účinky vysokých G-sil. LBNP byla navržena jako simulační nástroj pro nácvik proti-G manévrů (AGSM), neboť poskytuje kontrolované prostředí pro trénink zvládání fyziologického stresu způsobeného G-silami. Tato studie zkoumá potenciál využití LBNP jako tréninkové metody ke zvýšení G-tolerance a účinnosti AGSM. Metodika: Byla provedena literární rešerše podle postupů PRISMA, zaměřená na studie publikované v posledních 10 letech, které hodnotily úlohu LBNP v posuzování G-tolerance a efektivity AGSM. Byla shrnuta data z tréninkových protokolů využívajících LBNP, včetně různých tréninkových režimů (základní LBNP a tzv. push-pull profil) a fyziologických parametrů. Následně doplnění o vlastní data za posledních 10 let. Parametry expozice LBNP zahrnovaly úhly od -133° do +90° (vzhledem k úrovni srdce), změny úhlu až 133°/s, podtlak od 0 do -70 mmHg a rychlost změny podtlaku až 70 mmHg/s. Tyto podmínky simulují gravitační zatížení v rozsahu od -0,7 Gz do +4 Gz. Výsledky a závěr: LBNP se ukazuje jako slibná metoda pro hodnocení G-tolerance i pro nácvik AGSM. Nabízí cenné a kontrolované prostředí pro výcvik, a tím představuje efektivní nástroj pro zvyšování odolnosti vůči G-silám. LBNP by měla být zařazena do standardního letecko-lékařského výcviku, buď jako samostatná metoda, nebo jako přípravná fáze před následným výcvikem expozice vysokým hodnotám přetížení.

Abstrakt ve sborníku z lokální konf. česky

2024, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 104, ISSN 0169-8141

Mild hypoxia in aviation is a well-known phenomenon that affects flight safety, particularly in general aviation. Experimental research on its influence on performance and physiological response has been limited, often yielding contradictory results. This study aimed to deepen the understanding of mild hypoxia's effects on pilots' physiological responses and performance. A systematic review was conducted to synthesize existing knowledge and assess the consistency and generalizability of previous findings. Novel empirical data were then obtained through an experiment designed to focus on cardiac activity and performance under mild hypoxic conditions. Twelve male active military pilots participated in the experiment, which involved two simulated flights under controlled conditions. Unlike previous studies, which have varied significantly in methodology and outcomes, this study employed an approach to isolate the effects of mild hypoxia while simultaneously approximating real flight conditions by using a full flight simulator and a reduced oxygen breathing device. The experiment did not indicate significant performance degradation, while compensatory mechanisms in cardiac activity were observed, specifically in the form of increased heart rate and heart rate variability. These findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge by providing a more consistent methodological framework and highlighting the physiological adaptations to mild hypoxia, serving as a foundation for further investigation into the relationship between mild hypoxia, pilot performance, and physiological response.

Článek v periodiku excerpovaném SCI Expanded

2022, 2022 New Trends in Civil Aviation (NTCA), Praha, České vysoké učení technické v Praze), p. 205-209), ISBN 978-80-01-06985-1, ISSN 2694-7854

Due to the characteristics of their professional environment, pilots can be exposed to hypoxia. In this case, hypoxia is caused by a low partial oxygen pressure, which results in inferior oxygen saturation and transport ability. Altitude, the amount of time spent under hypoxic conditions, physical activity, individual response, and health conditions influence the severity of hypoxia and her symptoms. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) primarily affects the respiratory system and the disease itself causes hypoxia. Although COVID-19 influenced the entire population and caused a 2-year pandemic, all the consequences of experiencing the disease are not yet known. To find the possible impact of COVID-19 on the hypoxic state in pilots, an experiment was designed using simulated flights under simulated hypoxic conditions. Breathing activity and oxygen saturation were monitored. The results show that there is a significant difference in respiratory rate and saturation between the normoxic and hypoxic states, but the impact of the disease was not confirmed. The paper presents the concept of monitoring the effect of hypoxia on respiratory rate and oxygen saturation in both pilots who experienced and who have not experienced COVID-19 and can help expand the knowledge base for further research in this area.

Stať ve sborníku z prestižní konf.